Sicilian Sausage Rolls: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Sicilian Sausage Rolls: Prepare to be transported to the sun-drenched shores of Sicily with every bite of these savory delights! Imagine flaky, golden pastry embracing a rich, flavorful filling of seasoned sausage, aromatic herbs, and a hint of tangy cheese. This isn’t just a snack; it’s a culinary journey.

While the exact origins of sausage rolls are debated, variations have graced tables across Europe for centuries. In Sicily, the “salsiccia arrotolata” (sausage roll) has evolved into a beloved street food and family favorite. Passed down through generations, each family boasts its own secret blend of spices and techniques, making every Sicilian Sausage Roll a unique experience.

What makes these rolls so irresistible? It’s the perfect harmony of textures and tastes. The crisp, buttery pastry gives way to a juicy, well-seasoned sausage filling. The addition of Pecorino Romano cheese adds a salty, umami depth that keeps you coming back for more. They are incredibly convenient, perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic, or even an elegant appetizer. Whether you’re craving a taste of Italy or simply looking for a satisfying and flavorful treat, these Sicilian Sausage Rolls are guaranteed to be a hit!

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
• 500g strong bread flour, plus extra for dusting
• 7g dried fast-action yeast
• 10g salt
• 325ml lukewarm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing
• For the Filling:
• 500g Sicilian sausage, casings removed
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
• 100g grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• 50g breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp fennel seeds, lightly crushed
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• For the Egg Wash:
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 tbsp milk
• For Garnish:
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Preparing the Dough:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, and salt. Make sure the yeast is well distributed throughout the flour. This helps ensure even rising.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the lukewarm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to bring the mixture together until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time.
4. First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat it with the oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is a crucial step for developing the flavor and texture of the dough.
5. Punch Down the Dough: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. This helps to redistribute the yeast and create a more even texture.

Preparing the Filling:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
2. Add the Peppers: Add the diced red and green bell peppers to the skillet. Cook until they are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Cook the Sausage: Add the sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
4. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage and vegetable mixture, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, chopped fresh parsley, fennel seeds, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Taste and Adjust: Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your liking.

Assembling the Sausage Rolls:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Divide the Dough: Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the dough into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. The dough should be about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Spread the Filling: Spread half of the sausage filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border along one of the long edges.
4. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the opposite long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it.
5. Cut into Rolls: Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 1-inch thick rolls.
6. Repeat: Repeat steps 2-5 with the remaining dough and filling.
7. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sausage rolls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each roll.
8. Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk for the egg wash. Brush the tops of the sausage rolls with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color.
9. Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle the tops of the sausage rolls with sesame seeds, if desired.

Baking the Sausage Rolls:

1. Bake: Bake the sausage rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the filling is cooked through.
2. Cool Slightly: Remove the sausage rolls from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving:

Serve the Sicilian sausage rolls warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own or with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. These sausage rolls are perfect for parties, picnics, or a quick and easy meal. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another sausage roll recipe; it’s a passport to Sicily, a warm hug in pastry form, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser all rolled into one! I truly believe you absolutely *must* try these Sicilian Sausage Rolls. The combination of the savory sausage, the sweet peppers, the tangy olives, and that hint of fennel is simply divine. It’s a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more, and trust me, that’s a good thing!

But why are these sausage rolls so special? It’s the attention to detail, the quality of the ingredients, and the authentic Sicilian flavors that set them apart. We’re not just throwing sausage into pastry; we’re crafting an experience. The fennel seeds add a subtle anise note that complements the richness of the sausage perfectly, while the peppers and olives provide a delightful textural contrast. And that flaky, golden-brown pastry? Pure perfection!

Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions. These Sicilian Sausage Rolls are fantastic on their own as a snack, appetizer, or even a light lunch. But if you want to elevate them even further, consider serving them with a simple side salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette. The acidity of the lemon will cut through the richness of the sausage and create a balanced and refreshing meal. Alternatively, a dollop of creamy ricotta cheese or a spicy marinara sauce would also be delicious accompaniments.

Looking for variations? The possibilities are endless! If you’re not a fan of olives, feel free to omit them or substitute them with sun-dried tomatoes. For a vegetarian option, you could replace the sausage with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and ricotta cheese. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little extra heat. You could even experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone or mozzarella. The key is to have fun and make it your own!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette.
• Dipping Sauce: Creamy ricotta or spicy marinara.
• Vegetarian Option: Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and ricotta filling.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Cheese Variations: Provolone or mozzarella.

I’m so confident that you’ll love these Sicilian Sausage Rolls that I urge you to give them a try. Don’t be intimidated by the recipe; it’s actually quite simple to follow, and the results are well worth the effort. Gather your ingredients, put on some Italian music, and get ready to transport yourself to Sicily!

And once you’ve made them, please, please, *please* share your experience with me! I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how much your family and friends enjoyed them. You can leave a comment below, tag me on social media, or even send me an email. I’m always eager to hear from fellow food lovers and see your culinary creations.

So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and bake up a batch of these incredible Sicilian Sausage Rolls. I promise you won’t regret it! Buon appetito!